Difference in Kilt Makers

**dcrook** · 24th September 11, 03:27 PM

What is the quality and pricing difference between a Lochcarron kilt and a Strathmore kilt. Both 130z. fabric.

**Paul Henry** · 24th September 11, 04:03 PM

There isn't any easy answer to your question, both are weavers, and produce good quality cloth,although I would tend to choose Lochcarron out of those two, I would more than happily use Strathmore if they had a tartan in a colourway I needed. Most kilt makers would use either fabric without question, I know Lochcarron supply kilts as well, and I don't know for sure but I imagine Strathmore could as well.
As to pricing it depends what sort of kilt ,how much fabric used, hand sewn or machine sewn,in fact so many variables it's almost impossible.

**The Wizard of BC** · 24th September 11, 06:04 PM

As Paul said both of these companies are primarily weavers. They weave Tartan fabric. Both do offer kilts made from their fabric but are not primarily kiltmakers.

It is more usual to contact a kiltmaker to order your kilt who will then order the fabric from the weaver you specify.

**Mark Stephenson** · 25th September 11, 05:21 AM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

As Paul said both of these companies are primarily weavers. They weave Tartan fabric. Both do offer kilts made from their fabric but are not primarily kiltmakers.

It is more usual to contact a kiltmaker to order your kilt who will then order the fabric from the weaver you specify.

I think Steve hit the nail on the head. Find a good kilt maker. You might then ask if he/she has a preference for a mill for the tartan fabric you want. Between the two of us, my wife and I have purchased tartan fabric from most of the major mills, and have been satisfied with all of the tartans. - I do have a minor preference for one, but it is just a subjective thing and not worth mentioning. So... find your kilt maker and take it from there.

**dcrook** · 25th September 11, 05:48 AM

Thank you kindly for all the replies to my question of kilt makers and weavers. I feel my decision of weavers may come down to availability of tartan of choice. I have another question and that is does Strathmore provide a 13 oz. fabric like Lochcarron does. Once again thank you for all your threads in helping me with my quest for a fine kilt.

Sincerely David S. Crook

**davidg** · 25th September 11, 06:48 AM

Originally Posted by dcrook

does Strathmore provide a 13 oz. fabric like Lochcarron does.

Yes. Strathmore have two stock cloths. T7 is a 11/11.5 oz per yard and W60 is 13oz but has a lesser range of tartans than Lochcarron (or House of Edgar) do

You really do need to be guided by your chosen kilt maker though and you can always ask them to provide swatches from the different mills they deal with in your chosen tartan. That way you will get to see the vibrancy of the colours, the size of the sett and the feel of the cloth for yourself. Personally I would always recommend a heavyweight (16oz) cloth for better hang and swing. That's not everyone's choice though and there is always the weight/heat argument in hotter climates (Scotland doesn't suffer from that problem)

**davidg** · 25th September 11, 02:13 AM

At the end of the day it comes down to two things. One, whether the mill weaves the tartan you want and, two, which mill you prefer. Unlike paulhenry I would favour Strathmore above Lochcarron but I cannot give you a reason for that other than personal preference. Other kilt makers may refer to the hand (handle, or feel) of the cloth but this is very much a personal and subjective preference that can't always be explained

Without looking at the trade prices for those two mills I am not sure offhand of the price differences but they will not be particularly significant

**Paul Henry** · 25th September 11, 02:36 AM

Originally Posted by davidg

At the end of the day it comes down to two things. One, whether the mill weaves the tartan you want and, two, which mill you prefer. Unlike paulhenry I would favour Strathmore above Lochcarron but I cannot give you a reason for that other than personal preference. Other kilt makers may refer to the hand (handle, or feel) of the cloth but this is very much a personal and subjective preference that can't always be explained

Without looking at the trade prices for those two mills I am not sure offhand of the price differences but they will not be particularly significant

Agreed Davidig, and that is exactly right , I'd prefer Dalgleish's fabric given the complete choice, but it comes down to a personnal preference, they are all good weavers, so often it's down to what is available, and as Steve says, pick a kiltmaker and work with it that way

**Ancienne Alliance** · 25th September 11, 02:55 AM

For us, it depends on the tartan.

Marton Mills and House of Edgar are also great to work with.

Best,

Robert

**Mark Stephenson** · 25th September 11, 07:09 AM

I agree with the recommendation to go with 16 oz. The 16 oz fabric will definitely look and we3ar great. If heat or weight are a concern, consider a 5-yard kilt. The two kilts I have in Stephenson Modern are both 16 oz, but one is 8-yard and the other is 5-yard. They are otherwise identical. Thus, it is easy to compare them. In hot weather, I have found the 5-yard kilt to be noticeably more comfortable.